Louis van Gaal: I have done it, I made history

Within two hours of the final whistle, reports surfaced that Van Gaal would be sacked by United on Monday, with Jose Mourinho taking over the following day. This really has been football’s worst kept secret.

Yet Van Gaal refused to talk about his future after the game, instead pointing at the silver cloud surrounding the grey cloud.

Asked whether he needed to win the FA Cup to keep his job, Van Gaal was bullish:

“That’s not so important for me. I want to win things, titles. I have won everywhere I have worked so I don’t have to prove myself.

“When they want to use my knowledge, my management, I shall continue. We have proved today that we have a title, and that (the last title) was a long time ago.

“Also, in a period of Sir Alex Ferguson, he does not win every title.”

“I said when I started we are in a process of transition. I have already said a lot of times, so I repeat myself, I have to refresh my selection, my squad. I have done it.

When asked whether his achievements were enough to justify keeping his job, Van Gaal said:

“In spite of the many injuries this season we were still in the race and now we have lifted the cup. That is a title. It was three years ago that United (last) had a title.

“I am very proud I am the first manager after the period of Sir Alex Ferguson (to do that). I have made a picture with him because that is history.

“Last season I have asked for players. You don’t think the players that I have asked have come. It is not easy when United go for a player. When United come the price is double, much more than double.”